What a spectacularly mismanaged mess Rockaway Township government has become, thanks to an ugly power grab in the wake of tragedy.

Mayor Michael Dachisen’s death in August was a shock. Any community would struggle to cope after losing its leader, especially one as well liked as Dachisen, who had been mayor since June 2012. But Dachisen’s death occurred during a prolonged battle within the Republican party between the mayor and a council majority led by president Jeremy Jedynak. The heated emotions surrounding that battle only escalated with Dachisen’s passing.

The rivalry’s back story centers on a 2015 lawsuit filed by Councilman Tucker Kelley, then a private citizen, demanding reimbursement for $1.4 million in health insurance premiums paid by taxpayers on behalf of Dachisen and others dating back to 2010. Kelley had been convicted in 2007 for harassment after head-butting Dachisen and licking his face.

Earlier this year, a council majority approved a resolution alleging Dachisen, township attorney John Iaciofano and a former business administrator “conspired” to have taxpayers pay Iaciofano’s legal fees in Kelley’s suit. Dachisen sued to nullify that resolution, and a decision was approaching when the mayor died.

Any sense of decorum as the town mourned quickly evaporated. Jedynak, as acting mayor, called his first ill-advised special meeting for the day after Dachisen’s burial, hoping to replace Iaciofano with John Inglesino. That’s the same Inglesino who was considered such a toxic presence by Parsippany Democrats that their mayoral candidate, Michael Soriano, won the seat last November riding on a campaign promise to immediately oust Inglesino as township attorney, which he did.

Inglesino’s appointment was tabled that night, but the meeting helped inspire Dachisen’s widow, Catherine, to launch a recall campaign against Jedynak.

Developers are eyeing Chester's historic Larison's Turkey Farm property for development. The 19th century farm complex for generations was occupied by a restaurant serving family-style meals. Larison's had a small display of wooden Indians in the lobby. Chris Pedota/NorthJersey.com

Developers are eyeing Chester's historic Larison's Turkey Farm property for development. The 19th century farm complex for generations was occupied by a restaurant serving family-style meals. Reflected in a mirror, diners enjoying a meal in The Crimson Room. Peter Monsees/NorthJersey.com

A rendering of a redevelopment proposal for the former Larison's Turkey Farm property and adjoining lots in Chester. A public meeting will be help to discuss the proposal on Sept. 18, 2018. Chester Borough

Inglesino finally got the job – late last Friday night, at a hastily arranged 10:30 p.m. special meeting assured of suppressing public input.

Jedynak is in a difficult position; having warred with the much-loved Dachisen, anything he does now can have ghoulish undertones.

But his efforts to date have been disrespectful at best. The late-night meeting fueled more public ire, and it’s not enough to fall back on excuses about no other options in meeting a deadline for naming an interim mayor (former councilman Paul Minenna). The unpopular Inglesino appointment reeks of pettiness. Officials made it worse scheduling yet another ill-timed special meeting, on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. – during Yom Kippur, the Jewish holiday that does not end until sundown Wednesday.

That decision angered the Jewish community, and a discussion with local rabbis prompted officials to change the meeting to Thursday. It shouldn't have come to that.

Jedynak explained the new special meeting is needed to appoint legal representation in anticipation of lawsuits stemming from the Friday special meeting, which some have charged was illegal. That’s how disjointed this process has become. Even Republican State Sen. Joseph Pennachio, whose 26th District includes Rockaway Township, felt the need to say he was “embarrassed” by what has been unfolding.

Rockaway Township needs to heal. But Jednyak and company are just throwing salt in the wounds. That has to stop.